BITYI – “The SAPS will solemnly miss you, our youngest hero. The country has lost a great patriot in you. You left us so soon while we still expected more from you,” cited Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner.

This true patriot had three years’ service and was attached to the Sulenkama Community Service Centre (CSC) was a devoted christian who wouldn’t start his job without a prayer, his colleagues in Sulenkama Police Station are the most devastated with his loss. He was also a dedicated member of the Junior Management Core (JMC) within the SAPS.

Constable Lungelo Nogqala is one of the four members who passed on the scene in an accident on their way back from the Chris Hani District where they were part of a SAPS team deployed to conduct crime prevention and awareness campaigns.

Constable Nogqala’s mother, Section Nogqala had this to say, “I have lost the brightest star amongst my children. Lungelo was very young, yet was able to transcend differences in our family and to reach out and forge divisions in pursuit of a common one goal. A natural peace maker, it’s not by default that he was a police official. His untimely tragic death came few weeks after he has asked for someone’s hand in marriage. Unfortunately they haven’t started with formal preparations,” cited his mother.

Constable Nogqala’s Station Commander, Captain Mzana had this to say.” Constable Nogqala has left a big void at work. A well-groomed and very disciplined member whom I trusted with all my taskings. He has managed to forge partnership between the police and the community in some villages. It was reported that some villagers were threatened by certain community members within the society when reporting crime to the police. This made our job very difficult as we could not get information from the community during the investigation. A very young visionary and strategic leader gifted with great wisdom. The community of Sulenkama have lost a dedicated police officer, some of them are here to pay their last respect to Constable Nogqala,” he said.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga reminded mourners that Constable Lungelo Nogqala and his colleagues passed on whilst they were busy fighting the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Engcobo, Chris Hani District. “I would like to urge each and every one to join the fight against GBV. Let’s break the silence on abuse and sexual harassment. That will be a befitting send-off to these young fallen heroes. As we lay Constable Lungelo Nogqala to rest, may it be that we step forward to follow in his footsteps and take up his spear,” she said.

Source: South African Police Service